My first post in over a month and unfortunately it’s to bring some sad news. Michael Jackson died this afternoon at the age of 50 according to celebrity gossip website TMZ. Paramedics were unable to revive the pop superstar after he suffered a heart attack at his LA home.

This is shocking news to fans worldwide, especially on the heels of a comeback concert tour. Michael Jackson has contributed immensely to the music industry, almost single-handedly changed the face of pop music since his days of stardom began with the 70s group The Jackson Five. The record-breaking Thriller album made his career.  It’s unfortunate to think about the negative effect people in his life (his father especially), and the constant ridicule by the media for his actions and appearance. Physical appearance, legal battles and media-bashing aside, he was truly a gift to music and an inspiration for many.

This is such a coincidence for me since just recently I popped my History CD in my surround sound, been singing MJ tunes for the past couple of days, and was even watching the “You Rock My World” vid on YouTube Tuesday night. I loved his music, and always thought his talent for dance was remarkable. And you’ve got to admit: those music videos/mini-movies were something to watch.

RIP Michael… a wonderful talent, trailblazer and legend.

In the wee hours of the morning, just before 4am a serious of explosions happened near Keele St. and Wilson Ave. Residents in the immediate area recall feeling the shockwaves of the multiple blasts and having the windows of their home blowing out. There are some amazing photos that display the magnitude of the blast. Check out this Flickr photo stream. Here’s a detailed video showing some of the explosion:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As of this moment though, firefighters are close to completely extinguishing the burning tanks at the propane facility in the Keele and Wilson area, and I believe that the city is very lucky that this situation wasn’t more serious. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in the area and blocks of the city (between the 401, Sheppard, Jane and Wilson) has been sectioned off.

Here’s the complete news story from TheStar.com, and I’m sure there are a lot of other media outlets carrying the news.

Update: One Toronto Firefighter has passed away battling the blaze. My condolences to his family and friends, and I commend all those firefighters who do such a dangerous job and risk their lives to save others.

This is the story from the Associated Press:

NEW YORK — Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan residence in what authorities say is a possible drug-related death, the NYPD said. He was 28.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne told The Associated Press that Mr. Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment that is believed to be his home. The housekeeper who went to let Mr. Ledger know the masseuse was there, and found him dead at 3:26 p.m, Mr. Browne said.

The Australian-born actor was nominated for an Oscar for “Brokeback Mountain,” where he met his wife, actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Mr. Ledger and Ms. Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.

Mr. Ledger’s roles include the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in “Monster’s Ball” and had starring roles in “A Knight’s Tale” and “The Patriot.” He was to appear as the Joker this year in “The Dark Night,” a sequel to 2005′s “Batman Begins.”

Sites like The New York Times mention that it may be drug related. A very unfortunate day for Hollywood and his family which includes his 2-year-old daughter Matilda.